Without force-feeding its timely message, Good Night, and Good Luck illuminates history to enlighten our present, when the need for a free and independent press is more important than ever. In 90 breathtaking minutes of efficient and intricate storytelling, writer-director George Clooney and cowriter Grant Heslov pay honorable tribute to the journalistic integrity of legendary CBS newscaster Edward R. Murrow,

Director George Clooney

who confronted the virulent and overzealous anti-Communist witch-hunting of Wisconsin Sen. Joseph McCarthy in 1953-54, and emerged as a triumphant truth-seeker against the abuses of corporate and governmental power.

David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow

As played by David Strathairn, Murrow is a dogged realist, keenly aware of the smear tactics that will be employed against him; Clooney provides crucial backup as Murrow's "See It Now" producer and closest confidante Fred Friendly, forming a fierce but not entirely fearless triumvirate of broadcasting bravery with CBS chief William Paley (Frank Langella), who anxiously champions Murrow's cause under constant threat of reprisals. While using crisp black-and-white cinematography (by Robert Elswit) to vividly recreate the electrifying atmosphere of the CBS newsroom and the early years of television, Clooney (son of long-time Cincinnati newsman Nick Clooney) proves his directorial skill by juggling big themes and an esteemed ensemble cast, never stooping to simplification of ethically complex material. Good Night, and Good Luck is an instant classic, destined for all the accolades it so richly deserves. --Jeff Shannon

Learn More About Edward R. Murrow and Broadcast Journalism

George Clooney's Recommended Reading

George Clooney's Recommended Movies

The Edward R. Murrow Collection

Movie Details

Genre

Drama; History

Director

George Clooney

Producer

Grant Heslov

Writer

George Clooney; Grant Heslov

Studio

Warner Bros.

Country

Japan

Language

English

Audience Rating

PG

Running Time

93 mins

Movie Release Date

10/14/2005

Color

Color

Personal Details

Format

DVD

Seen It

Yes

Index

593

Collection Status

In Collection

Purchase Date

3/30/2006

Product Details

Edition

Widescreen Edition

Region

Region 1

Screen Ratio

Widescreen 1.85:1 B&W (Anamorphic)

Layers

Single Side, Dual Layer

UPC (Barcode)

012569736788

Release Date

3/14/2006

Subtitles

English; French; Spanish

Packaging

Keep Case

Audio Tracks

ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 [CC]

Nr of Disks/Tapes

1

Extra Features

Audio Commentary with George Clooney and Grant HeslovGood Night, And Good Luck Companion Piece Theatrical Trailer